MUMBAI, Dec 3: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted on Tuesday that farmers are facing significant challenges and hardship, despite the existence of prominent institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
He emphasized that farmers in distress who are engaging in protests do not bode well for the nation’s overall well-being.
“Introspection is essential as farmers are indeed suffering. If institutions like ICAR and its affiliates were fully operational and contributing effectively, we wouldn’t be witnessing this situation… These institutions are spread across the country, yet the plight of farmers remains unchanged,” Dhankhar remarked.
The Vice-President made these comments during the centenary celebration of the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT). Located in Mumbai, CIRCOT is a key institute under the ICAR, part of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education within the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
He noted that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, ascending from its current fifth position, but to achieve developed nation status, the income of every citizen must increase eightfold, largely stemming from rural areas.
Farmers resorting to protests is concerning, the Vice-President added, stressing that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed to the world that dialogue is the key to solutions.”
He encouraged agricultural research institutes to assist farmers in adding value to their products to enhance their income.
On the occasion, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that India cannot achieve wealth without its farmers.
“A prosperous and wealthy India cannot be established without farmers. Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, and farmers are its essence,” he remarked.
The minister pointed out that CIRCOT is uniquely focused on processing mechanically picked cotton in the country.
“There is a need to adapt machinery for processing mechanically harvested cotton. A pilot plant facility will be set up here in Mumbai. Arrangements will be made to explore how it can evolve into an international center for cotton genome research,” Chouhan explained.
He further stressed the importance of developing a traceability system for cotton.
“All essential resources will be dedicated to establishing new traceability technology for the export of Indian cotton. This initiative also aims to benefit farmers,” the minister added.
Chouhan remarked on the high cost of cotton seeds, which are sold to farmers at steep prices by private companies.
“The ICAR needs to ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds at reasonable rates. It is crucial to pay attention to farmers so they can gain from cotton farming and secure their livelihoods,” he asserted.
Chouhan indicated an urgent need to create a roadmap for CIRCOT extending to 2047.
“I require a roadmap detailing our actions leading up to 2047. We must expedite our efforts concerning cotton production, processing, and related activities. By 2047, CIRCOT must be a leading authority, regardless of the challenges,” he insisted. (PTI)
